HAGERSTOWN, Md. – City officials are weighing reviving the Envy youth initiative as a state-backed public safety program wraps up its two-year pilot, offering a potential framework to reduce youth crime and strengthen community support systems.
During an April 14 work session, representatives from Maryland’s “Safer, Stronger Together” initiative outlined their work in Hagerstown and suggested ways the city could build on that model as it considers relaunching Envy, a local effort focused on youth violence prevention.
The state initiative, a collaboration among the Maryland Department of Human Services, the Department of Juvenile Services, and the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, was created to better coordinate services for families involved in multiple systems. Officials said the effort stemmed from the recognition that agencies were often working independently with the same families rather than collaboratively.
Hagerstown was selected as the program’s first site, with leaders citing similarities between local challenges and those in larger jurisdictions, including crime, housing instability and food insecurity.
Over the past two years, the initiative has focused on residents ages 13 to 25, the group identified as having the highest rates of recidivism and involvement in crime.
Community-driven approach
A key aspect of the program was forming a community action board composed of residents from high-need areas. The board convened monthly to guide funding decisions, identify service gaps and oversee local nonprofit partners.
Through that process, nearly $600,000 was distributed in Hagerstown to organizations providing services such as mentoring, parenting support, mental health resources and workforce training.
Officials emphasized that grassroots organizations played a critical role because of their direct connections to the community. Those relationships, they said, helped build trust with youth and families and led to measurable behavioral changes.
One example shared during the presentation highlighted mentoring efforts that helped young participants improve school attendance, secure employment and reduce involvement in risky behavior.
Focus on families and coordination
Another strategy involved addressing entire families rather than individual cases. Program leaders said many households cycle through multiple systems across generations, requiring coordinated intervention.
To address that, the initiative introduced “family navigators,” who work directly with families to connect them with services, manage crises and coordinate support across agencies.
Monthly meetings between agency leaders also helped improve coordination. One outcome included connecting individuals leaving correctional facilities with public benefits before release, reducing the risk of reoffending during the critical first 60 days back in the community.
Envy program revival under consideration
City officials said Envy was originally designed with similar goals, bringing together community partners to reduce youth crime and provide opportunities for young people, but lacked sustained coordination and staffing.
Officials noted that a strategic plan for Envy was developed in 2023, but the program stalled due to the lack of a dedicated coordinator.
“That person has to be somebody who can focus on this,” Police Chief Joey Kifer said, emphasizing that managing partnerships, tracking outcomes and coordinating services requires full-time attention.
The proposed model would include:
- A dedicated Envy coordinator
- A community advisory board
- Partnerships with schools, nonprofits and city departments
- Data-driven performance tracking
Officials also highlighted past successes, including a free youth basketball league that improved school attendance, reduced disciplinary issues and increased family engagement.
Broader impact beyond crime
Leaders stressed that the initiative goes beyond crime reduction, addressing broader issues such as education, mental health, family stability and economic opportunity.
“This is about giving youth opportunities and building self-worth,” City Admin Scott Nicewarner said.
Council members expressed support for moving forward and indicated that funding for a coordinator position is being considered in the current budget. The next step would be to formally approve the position and launch the program.
Officials also suggested incorporating youth voices into leadership roles, noting that participation from young residents has been critical to the success of the state initiative.
Next steps
City staff plans to finalize a job description for an Envy coordinator and identify funding sources. If approved, the position would lead the program’s rollout and coordinate efforts across agencies and community partners.
State representatives said they are prepared to provide technical assistance and share infrastructure, data and lessons learned to support Hagerstown’s efforts moving forward.
